Malta’s former capital, a fortified hilltop city some of whose buildings date from the 12th century, had a cameo role in The Count of Monte Cristo. The square and side streets around St Paul’s Cathedral were used for a carnival scene set in Rome, in which the hero, Dantès, fakes the kidnapping of his son.

Mdina also appeared in Cutthroat Island and the TV opera film The Death of Klinghoffer. A walk around the winding streets used by the Monte Cristo film crew is highly recommended, finishing at the fortifications on Bastion Square, which give you a stunning panoramic view of Malta.